Charleston County

Charleston County, SC · County profile

420,264people

Median Income: $88,494
Median Home Value: $489,100
Land Area: 916.4sq mi

A central county of the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area

Market now

Population trend

Businesses

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate

11.30%

Unemployment

3.50%

College Educated

50.30%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income

$88,494

Mean Household Income

$131,674

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male

48.5%

Female

51.5%

Population Split

Male48.5%

Female51.5%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English15.3%

German11.0%

Irish10.6%

Italian4.7%

Mexican3.5%

Scottish2.5%

Polish2.1%

French2.1%

African0.8%

Reported ancestry groups representing the cultural heritage of the population. Percentages may not sum to 100% as residents may report multiple ancestries or none.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

6.7%Foreign Born

93.3%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized42.1%

Non-Citizen57.9%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later50.2%

Before 201049.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units

209,803

Median Rent

$1,620/mo

Median Home Value

$489,100

Median Year Built

1991

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled

89,502

College Enrollment

21.8%

High School

19.4%

College Educated

50.3%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time

25.1 min

Drive Alone Rate

69.0%

Public Transit

0.9%

Work From Home

17.7%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18

19.5%

18-34 Years

23.8%

35-64 Years

38.8%

65+ Years

17.9%

Population Composition

Under 1819.5%

18-3423.8%

35-6438.8%

65+17.9%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples

44.1%

Single Parent

4.9%

Living Alone

33.0%

Avg Size

2.29

Household Types

Married Couples44.1%

Single Parent4.9%

Living Alone33.0%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income

$56,921

SNAP Usage

6.4%

Health Insurance

91.7%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k13.8%

$25k - $50k15.0%

$50k - $100k26.3%

$100k+44.7%

Key Industries

Manufacturing

7.2%

Retail Trade

9.8%

Education & Health Care

22.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

11.2%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

91.7%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet

88.9%vs ~90% National Avg

Computer Ownership

96.3%vs ~95% National Avg

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better

101.0

0130

Below average< 97

Near average97 - 103

Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better

97.1

0200

Hard to Afford< 80

Moderate80 - 100

Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)

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Census Tracts

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Dive deeper into Charleston County's demographic and economic data at the census tract level. Census tracts provide granular insights into local communities.

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